Good question, Chuck, but I'm not sure I understand? I think the use of the "tier" terminology confused me. I think this is meant for engineers who are working perhaps jointly on a project but before might be using local tools on their own computer. This would allow them to collaborate and, as its cloud-based, provide access form anywhere. With Autodesk's tools integrated, they wouldn't have to open other windows or fire up other software to continue to work. That's my understanding anyway. But maybe I am getting it wrong? Any experts want to weigh in?

I'm curious who the users of this technology would be. If I'm a tier two supplier to the suto industry, would I then use this to share my files with a tier one supplier that I'm working with? Or am I missing the point here?

I think this marks a good step forward in the use of collaborative tools that allow for PLM in the cloud. The partnership also shows AutoDesk validating what GrabCAD and its community are offering and giving more engineers access to the tools that are integral to the design and engineering community. It will be interesting to see other ways the two companies can partner in the future to bolster the work of engineers.

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